For immediate release:

Alzheimer Society Peel's First Link Project is set to launch September 15, 2010 within the boundaries of the Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network (MH LHIN) in conjunction with our partner Alzheimer Society Hamilton Halton. The funding for the First Link Program was received through MH LHIN as part of the Aging At Home Strategy.

First Link^TM, supports the Alzheimer Society Peel's effort to connect individuals suffering with the disease to much needed help.

When individuals are first diagnosed with dementia, they and their families are often overwhelmed with the diagnosis and what it means. Many families don't contact the Alzheimer Society or seek help until late in the disease process or until a crisis occurs. By this time, caregivers are exhausted and limited in their ability to cope. Navigating the health care system and finding suitable support services can be overwhelming.

Currently, there are approximately 500,000 Canadian living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. 1 in 8 people over the age of 65 and 1 in 2 people over the age of 85 currently have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. By 2016 it is expected that 227,000 people will be living with dementia and 14,788 of these people will reside in MH LHIN boundary.

First Link aims to reach individuals diagnosed with dementia and their families as early as possible in the disease process by enhancing partnerships with family physicians, specialists, family health teams, and community agencies. Once linked with the family, the First Link coordinator connects the individual and family to opportunities for learning, to support and advice, and to community services as needed throughout the course of the disease. By strengthening the individual and family early on and giving them the information and support they need along the way, it is hoped that crises will be minimized or averted.

First Link offers physicians an easy way to connect their patients with the Alzheimer Society, with information and support at the time of diagnosis. Individuals diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers will become better at managing their symptoms and accessing the information and support they need throughout their journey.

For more information about First Link call, First Link Coordinator Brandi Morson @ 289-632-2273.